India’s animal health sector just got a big boost with the launch of the Veterinary Vaccine India Manufacturers Association (VVIMA). This new group brings together key veterinary vaccine manufacturers to speak with one voice for the industry.
VVIMA operates as a non-profit organization. It plans to team up with government officials, regulators, and other players to build a supportive environment for innovation and high-quality production. The goal? Turn India into a worldwide leader in researching, developing, and making animal vaccines.
The association strongly supports the One Health approach, which links animal, human, and environmental health. By pushing effective vaccination programs, VVIMA aims to keep animals healthy, cut down on diseases jumping from animals to people (known as zoonotic diseases), and boost earnings for farmers in rural India who rely on livestock.
Founders of VVIMA met with top officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in New Delhi on September 25. They chatted with Minister of State Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Secretary Naresh Pal Gangwar, Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr. Pravin Malik, and Additional Secretary Varsha Joshi to share their commitment.
This move fits right into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision for self-reliance. VVIMA will partner with the government on research, tech upgrades, fresh ideas, and strong supply chains. Ultimately, they want India to export veterinary vaccines globally and become a top supplier.
India boasts a massive animal population that drives this sector. Here’s a quick look: about 193 million cattle, 110 million buffalo, 74 million sheep, 149 million goats, 9 million pigs, a quarter-million camels, and over 851 million poultry birds (not counting backyard flocks).
The Indian veterinary vaccine market hits around 20 billion rupees, while the global one tops 1,000 billion rupees. Eight private companies lead manufacturing, alongside several government-run units. They produce vaccines for poultry, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and pets.
Under national and state programs, the government buys and distributes locally made vaccines for issues like Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants, Goat Pox (including for Lumpy Skin Disease), and Classical Swine Fever—mostly from private suppliers. India already meets its own needs for vaccines targeting cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Plus, the country exports vaccines for these animals, poultry, and pets, though it imports some for poultry and pets in small amounts.
Rajiv Gandhi, CEO and Managing Director of Hester Biosciences Ltd and VVIMA’s first President, shared his excitement: “It’s an honor to lead this. VVIMA will engage with policymakers to spark innovation, ensure top-notch manufacturing, and boost our global edge. We’ll highlight how strong animal and poultry health protects people from zoonotic threats too.”
Dr. K. Anand Kumar, Managing Director of Indian Immunologicals Ltd and Vice President of VVIMA, added: “We’re tackling both internal challenges and outside influences on the industry. Through smart policy pushes, we’ll make India a go-to hub for veterinary vaccines worldwide, just like we are for human ones.”
Dr. Sanjay Gavkare, General Manager at Venkateshwara Hatcheries Pvt Ltd and a VVIMA member, emphasized: “As the unified voice for Indian veterinary vaccine makers, we’re set to transform animal health and human safety via One Health. We’ll drive innovation and quality to make India a global center, focusing on disease protection, lowering zoonotic risks, and securing worldwide health.”
VVIMA’s founding members include Biovet Private Limited, Brilliant Bio Pharma Private Limited, Globion India Private Limited, Hester Biosciences Limited, Indian Immunologicals Limited, Indovax Private Limited, and Venkateshwara Hatcheries Private Limited.
Leadership features President Rajiv Gandhi from Hester Biosciences Limited and Vice President Dr. K. Anand Kumar from Indian Immunologicals Limited.
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